CICEET Progress Report for the period 9/15/04 Through 3/15/05
Project Title: Discriminating and Mapping Invasive Plant Species Using Advanced Remote Sensing Technology
Principal Investigator(s): Stephen D. Smith, Eugenia M. Barnaba, Milo E. Richmond
Additional Investigator(s): Magdeline Laba, Susan Hoskins
Project Start Date: September 1, 2003
Project Objectives for This Reporting Period
Objectives
1. Process satellite imagery
2. Initiate development of comparative boundary analysis methodology
3. Initiate development of technology transfer component
Tasks to meet objectives
1. Process satellite imagery
- Derive training data from field data
- Classify satellite image
2. Initiate development of comparative boundary analysis methodology
- Begin literature review on comparative boundary analysis.
3. Initiate development of technology transfer component
- Identify audience, needs and abilities
Progress on Tasks
1. Process satellite imagery
- Derive training data from field data
In the previous months, the field data collected in the summer of 2004 has been reviewed and filtered to provide us with the most complete, precise, and reliable data possible. Sample points for vegetation community types under-represented in the field data were derived from ancillary data. Training data sets have been developed for all four HRNERR sites. - Classify satellite image
We are in the signature development and analysis phase. In this phase signatures are created, evaluated, deleted, and merged with other signatures. This process is carried out with the expectation of creating an accurate spectral representation of each feature class. Erdas Imagine has many procedures, including image alarm, viewing ellipses and scatter plots, contingency matrix, and separability analysis, which are being used to determine whether signature data are true representations of each land cover class.The signatures created from this process will be used in a maximum likelihood classification of each Quickbird image.
3. Initiate development of comparative boundary analysis methodology
- Began literature review on comparative boundary analysis
Literature review has begun. No definitive process or methodology selected at this time. Presentation of the literature review and discussion of methodologies is on the next CICEET Advisory Committee meeting agenda scheduled for this summer.
4. Initiate development of technology transfer component
- Began development of technology transfer within the CICEET project team. Coordinating with HRNERR staff to identify best possible time in September or October for technology transfer workshop. Agenda for the workshop is being developed in cooperation with HRNERR staff and will be presented at the next CICEET Advisory Committee.
Accomplishments
1. Over 400 field data observations have been reviewed for use as training data in the satellite image processing. Training data sets have been developed for all four HRNERR sites. Vegetation community type signatures are being developed.
2. Development of the comparative boundary analysis methodology has begun as has the development of the agenda for the transfer workshop.
Difficulties
At this time we are experiencing no unforeseen difficulties. We are currently assembling a field crew to collect accuracy assessment data this summer and are actively searching for personnel. This will again result in a re-alignment of some budget expenditures.
Project Objectives for Next Reporting Period
Objectives
1. Develop vegetation community maps for each HRNERR
2. Complete accuracy assessment
3. Undertake comparative analysis of satellite image and aerial photographic vegetation community maps.
4. Finalize technology transfer component and implement
5. Prepare final report
Tasks to Meet Objectives
1. Develop vegetation community maps for each HRNERR
Continue processing of satellite imagery
2. Complete accuracy assessment
Develop accuracy assessment methodology
Assemble field crew and equipment needed
Analyze field data
3. Undertake comparative analysis of satellite image and aerial photographic vegetation community maps.
Finalize development of comparative boundary analysis methodology
Implement methodology
4. Finalize technology transfer component and implement
Finalize agenda and logistics
Prepare workshop materials
Present workshop
8. Prepare final report
Work Plan for Next Reporting Period
Work plan to follow the above tasks and proposal timeline.
Anticipated Success in Meeting Project Objectives
No anticipated problems in meeting project objectives as outlined above.
Overall Project Timeline Update
Project is currently on time although it is currently anticipated that a no-cost extension will be necessary to: 1) permit the collection and processing of accuracy assessment points during the 2005 field season, 2) enable the planned workshop to incorporate all the results of the project, and 3) permit the scheduling of the workshop at an optimum time for NERR staff participation.
Preliminary Data
1. Acquire satellite imagery
High resolution (2.6m multi-spectral and 0.6m panchromatic) images of all HRNERR sites.
Piermont Marsh 8/04/04
Stockport Flats 8/22/04
Tivoli Bays 8/22/04
Iona Island 9/04/04
2. Collect training data for image analysis
Vegetation community type identification of 398 individual field locations and an additional 74 delineated polygons. All field data referenced with a GPS units to a nominal 3-5 meter accuracy.
Dissemination
Dissemination of data or results is premature at this time.
Expenditures
Overall expenditures are within the budget. The need to fund field crews for 2004 and 2005 has required a substantial re-alignment of specific expenditures.